Iceland and British Isles Cruise

Plan time to explore Reykjavik, Iceland’s compact yet active capital. Ride the elevator up Hallgrímskirkja for panoramic views before heading back down to see Harpa Concert Hall, a modern glass landmark near the harbor and Maritime Museum. Step into the National Museum to trace Iceland’s history, then view bold contemporary art at the Reykjavík Art Museum, featuring works by Erró. Travel outside the city to Thingvellir National Park, where Iceland’s early parliament once gathered on a rift between tectonic plates.

Visit Heimaey, the largest island in the Westman Islands chain, located off southern Iceland. From mid-April to early August, spot millions of Atlantic puffins—the world’s largest colony—nesting across the island, including near the town of Vestmannaeyjar. At Eldheimar Museum, learn how a 1973 volcanic eruption from Eldfell buried part of the town in lava. Then head to the nearby bird cliffs for views of seabirds soaring over the rugged coastline.

With Viking-era origins, Djupivogur, a tranquil fishing village with fewer than 500 residents, is renowned for its unhurried pace of life and the art installation 'The Eggs at Merry Bay,' featuring 34 granite eggs representing local bird species. Nearby, Vatnajökull National Park, covering 14 percent of Iceland, offers a wild expanse with Europe's largest ice cap, Vatnajökull Glacier, thundering glacial rivers and active volcanoes.

Included Excursion:

Cultural Walk in Djúpivogur
02 h 00 m

• Glimpse geological marvels such as a massive agate, quartz and zeolite boulder at Audun’s Stone and Mineral Collection
• Let your imagination soar as you discuss the symbolism behind the intriguing “Eggs” sculpture with your guide
• Uncover the hidden story behind the repurposed tank and marvel at the ingenuity that has transformed it

Cut adrift in the Atlantic, between Scotland and Iceland, the Faroes are a self-governing archipelago in the Kingdom of Denmark. On the southern tip of Streymoy, the largest of the 18 islands, the lively little capital of Torshavn (Thor’s Harbor) charms with its rainbow-hued clapboard warehouses, grass-roofed wooden churches, and the quaint old quarter, Tinganes. Off the radar for many, the Faroes are fast becoming known for their scenery.

Included Excursion:

Panorama Streymoy

01 h 50 m

• Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Torshavn and the surrounding fjords from scenic ridge-top viewpoints
• Discover ancient stone cairns in the lush pastures, once used to guide travelers between villages
• Witness the dramatic beauty of Koltur Island and watch salmon leaping in the sea farms along the fjord

Tvøroyri is the main port of Suðuroy, the southernmost of the Faroe Islands, founded in 1836. Once one of the largest towns and a key fishing hub, it now hosts a village museum, an art gallery, and the cultural centre SALT. Nearby, Hvannhagi, with its unique geological landscape and diverse flora, is considered ideal for a national park. Suðuroy, the only Faroese island with coal deposits, also offers tours of a working mine.

Lerwick, closer to Norway than mainland Scotland, is the Shetland Islands' capital and only town. This solid, stone-built port has a Dutch flair, with 17th-century Fort Charlotte reflecting its maritime past. At Shetland’s southern tip, the dramatic Sumburgh Head Bird Cliffs offer spectacular views and host thousands of nesting seabirds including puffins, guillemots and kittiwakes. Across the islands, around 1,500 tiny Shetland ponies roam freely.

Stromness is an 18th-century stone seaport, barely changed since Captain Cook's ships stopped in 1780. The Pier Arts Centre, housing modern art, is often called a "little seaside Tate." Just outside town, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney features sites like the Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness. Nature lovers can enjoy coastal walks with stunning views of Hoy Sound and the dramatic cliffs of nearby Hoy.

Portree is the largest town, capital, and gateway to the Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides. Fringed by cliffs, its harbor, with a pier designed by engineer Thomas Telford, is surrounded by colorful homes. The jagged majestic Cuillin Hills, part of the MacLeod Estate, include a protected area for various species of birds, including the golden eagle. Nearby, Dunvegan Castle, ancestral seat of Clan MacLeod, reveals Skye’s rich past.

One of Britain’s most beautiful stretches of water, The Sound of Mull, between the Isle of Mull and the Scottish mainland, offers spectacular views with ancient castles, beaches and dramatic cliffs always on view. Distant mountain peaks, often shrouded in mist, add to the dreamlike scenery. Three lighthouses stand guard, including Rubha nan Gall Lighthouse, while a number of wrecks sit below on the seabed.

Nestled on Loch Linnhe's shores, Fort William is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife spotting such as seals in Loch Linnhe and the gateway to Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak, nearby. The Cromwell-built fort of 1654 survived a Jacobite siege in 1746. A plinth at its remnants marks the start of the 73-mile "Great Glen Way." The town's history is featured at the West Highland Museum, and the Ben Nevis Distillery is renowned for its whisky.

This small town is the gateway to Northern Ireland’s famous Causeway Coast, with clifftop walks and beaches. UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, with 40,000 basalt columns, is the region’s top attraction, framed by the crashing Atlantic on one side and towering cliffs on the other. Swan Hellenic guests visit early morning before it opens, experiencing its raw beauty in peace - but is it shaped by volcanic forces or legendary Celtic giants?

Set in the middle of the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man is a self-governing kingdom designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. Horse-drawn trams run along the seafront promenade and nearby is the Manx Museum, home to an extensive collection of artefacts documenting the history of the island. The ruined 11th-century Peel Castle is located on the island’s west coast. Renowned for the T.T. Motorbike Races, the north hosts the Isle of Man Motor Museum.

Included Excursion:

Scenic Isle of Man

04 h 00 m

• Embark on a scenic ride along the island’s west coast to see why Peel is affectionately known as the ‘Sunset City’
• See the magnificent medieval Castle Rushen and the remnants of Peel Castle while learning of their history
• Pay a visit to one of the island’s most significant ceremonious landmarks and a symbol to their independence, Tynwald Hill

Dublin, capital of Ireland, seamlessly blends grit and beauty with Georgian squares, parks and canals. It boasts a rich literary heritage, home to renowned writers like Oscar Wilde and James Joyce. Literary attractions include Trinity College Library, housing the 9th-century Book of Kells, and the James Joyce Centre. The vibrant pub culture, with landmarks like the Guinness Storehouse and Temple Bar, adds to its lively charm.